Don’t tell the striking writers: We’re seeing more reports that TV networks and producers have been leaking upcoming programs to BitTorrent. The wink-wink shows reportedly include “Weeds,” “Chuck,” the upcoming “Sarah Connor Chronicles” and “Dexter.” Guinevere Orvis writes on last100.com: “Why? Well, it’s partially an experiment, but the hope is that distribution of content this way will lead to new viewers that wouldn’t have been reached through traditional marketing means. Early signs indicate that these experiments are working.” She goes on to quote “Weeds” producer Jenji Kohan: “Revenue aside, I don’t expect to get rich on ‘Weeds” (so) I’m excited it’s out there.”
Microsoft’s Xbox 360 now supports video files captured in DivX and XvID. The upgrade came in a software upgrade a couple of weeks ago. “It’s not entirely perfect,” Gawker reports. “It’s 90% of the way there.” The files are best played off a disc. Those are all legal video files, right?
Forrester Research says Apple TV “will be lucky” to sell something like 400,000 units in the holiday season, which would still leave the video-transfer device well below expectations. About half of online adults are aware of the device, but only 3% intend to buy one, Forrester says. Dan Frommer of Silicon Alley Insider responded with some advice for Steve Jobs. “Despite plenty of claims to the contrary, the device still doesn’t have much serious competition,” Frommer wrote. He proposes a serious software update, HD content on the iTunes Store, DVR functionality and letting people rip DVDs to their Apple TVs/computers the same way they can transfer CDs to play on iPods.
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